Sequel planned for Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters

Movie executives at Paramount Pictures have given the green light to a sequel to Jeremy Renner and Gemma Arterton's action fantasy Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters after it grossed more than £128 million worldwide.

The film, an adaptation of the famous Brothers Grimm fairy tale, debuted atop the U.S. box office with takings of £11.88 million upon its release earlier this year, but failed to win over critics and was branded "vomit-inducing" and "lame-brained" by Peter Travers of Rolling Stone magazine.

Renner brushed off the scathing reviews and insisted the film - which was made on a budget of £31.25 million - was "never going to be a movie for the critics", and now it appears studio bosses have also chosen to ignore the criticism by pressing ahead with a follow-up.

Producers Will Ferrell, Adam McKay and Kevin Messick are all expected to return to work on the sequel, although it is not yet known whether Renner and Arterton will sign up for another turn, reports Deadline.com.

There is also no word on whether Norwegian filmmaker Tommy Wirkola will be invited back to direct.